Airway damage that eventually causes bronchiectasis, also known as bronchiectasia, usually starts during childhood. The signs and symptoms, however, are not generally apparent until some time later – months and even years after the patient starts having recurrent lung infections.

A symptom is felt and reported by the patient while a sign is observed by other people, including the doctor. For example, chest pain may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

The most common signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

  • A cough which occurs daily for months, or even years.
  • The cough may get worse when lying on one side.
  • Enormous amounts of sputum (phlegm, spit) are produced daily. This is coughed up and spat out. The sputum may contain mucus, trapped particles, and even pus.
  • The sputum may be foul-smelling.
  • Wheezing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Clubbing – the flesh under the fingernails and toenails become thicker. The nails curve downward and are shaped like the round part of an upside-down spoon.
  • Abnormal lung sounds (when listened to with a stethoscope).

Later on signs and symptoms may include:

  • Paleness.
  • Weight loss.
  • Children may not grow at a normal rate.
  • Fatigue.
  • Coughing up of blood or bloody mucus.
  • Bluish skin color.
  • Breath odor.

Patients with severe bronchiectasis may eventually develop more serious conditions, such as atelectasis (collapse of part or all of a lung) or respiratory failure, and eventually heart failure.

Written by Christian Nordqvist